Obituaries

James D. Heveron, 83 of East Pembroke, passed away peacefully Wednesday (May 17, 2023) at his residence. 

He was born August 21, 1939 in Buffalo, NY, a son of the late James P. Heveron and Mary O’Connor Heveron.

After graduating from Notre Dame High School, he became a fireman on the Erie Lackawanna Railroad. He then served in the United States Coast Guard where he continued his service in the Ceremonial Honor Guard at Buffalo Bills home games. He was also a salesman for Pirelli Tires and Sears Roebuck.  James was the proud owner of Heveron’s Towne Manor, where he welcomed friends and family for many years. 

A true Irishman at heart, James was described by many as witty, charismatic, and having a zest for life with a quick intellect. Travel was a passion of Jim. He was an avid fisherman and loved animals.

Survivors include his daughters, Eileen (Thomas) Boncore of Hamburg, Beth (Michael) Reimer of Batavia and Maureen (Thomas) Notaro of Lancaster. Son in law, Francis O'Geen. Brother, Brian (Ann) Heveron of Massachusetts. Grandchildren, Nicholas O’Geen, Morgan Reimer, Lauren Reimer, Julianna Boncore, Aiden Reimer, Adriana Notaro, Dominic Boncore and Camden Reimer. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his children, James Heveron Jr, Sheila Heveron, Mary Kathryn O’Geen and the mother of his children, Mary Ann Heveron.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share sentiments and reminisce on Tuesday (May 23^rd) from 2-5pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME,  LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia, NY, where a funeral service will commence at 5pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family.  Share your finest Jim Heveron stories with the family at www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020, RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.

Rochester - Stefanie L. Boise, 51 of Rochester passed away on Saturday (May 13, 2023) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

She was born March 20, 1972 in Santa Barbara, California a daughter of Stephen J. and Jeanne (O'Hara) Hitchcock Boise of Marion.

Stefanie attended Webster Schroeder High School class of 1991. She went on to earn a degree in social work from Monroe Community College, class of 1997. She also attended Edinboro University in Pennsylvania. Stef had a kind, giving heart whose true passion was helping others, especially advocating for those with disabilities. Stef has been a resident of Ferncliff Gardens since 1994.

She was a fiercely independent woman who loved to attend Red Wings games, go to the mall, and be with family. She deeply loved her nieces and nephew.

Along with her parents, Stefanie is survived by her siblings, Kimberley Kemp of Marion, Jessica (Steven) Johnson of Batavia, Nicholas Boise of Marion; nieces and nephew, Madelaine and Meredith Kemp, Kaleesi Johnson, Sloan and Jaxon Boise; Aunts, Nelsa Selover of Aurora, Marcia (Bud) Sipfle of Tully, Nancy Hitchcock of North Carolina; uncles, William (late Missy) Hitchcock of Aurora, and Larry Boise of Wyoming. Several cousins also survive.

In death Stefanie is reunited with her maternal grandparents, Charles and Reva Hitchcock; paternal grandparents, Howard and Ida Boise; aunts, Linda Hitchcock and Susie Dair; uncles, Brad Hitchcock, Richard H. Boise, and Kenneth R. Boise; cousin, Darrell Hitchcock.

Family and friends are invited to call on Monday from 4 to 6 PM at MILLER FUNERAL and CREMATION SERVICES, 3325 Winton Road South in Rochester, where Stef's funeral service will be held immediately following visitation at 6:00. Burial in Marion Cemetery in Marion will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to CP Rochester, 3399 Winton Road S. Rochester, NY 14623. Please make checks payable to Ability Partners Foundation.  Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements for Stefanie were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street in Batavia. (585) 343-8868

Jose A. Arroyo, Sr., 71, of Batavia, passed away on May 15, 2023 at Hildebrandt Hospice Care Facility in Rochester.

Jose was born August 19, 1951 in Puerto Rico, a son of the late Francisco and Ines (Zayas) Arroyo.

Jose enjoyed baseball and was a machinist at General Motors in Rochester.

Surviving are his sons, Jose (Patricia) Arroyo, Jr., Marco Arroyo and Kevin (Jenna) Arroyo and grandchildren, Kelsey, Zoey, Rylei, Mazey, Brody, Jaxon, Addison and Jonah.

Preceded in death by his wife, Julie Arroyo.  

There are no prior calling hours and Jose's services will be held privately.  He will be laid to rest in Grandview Cemetery, Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Genesee Cancer Assistance, 207 Summit Street, Batavia, NY 14020, www.geneseecancerassistance.org.  

Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements for Jose were entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, Batavia, (585) 343-8868.

BATAVIA – Lesley K. Kosiorek, 73, of Batavia, passed away on Saturday, May 13 2023 at Crossroads House surrounded by her loving family.

She was born October 25, 1949, in Liverpool, England, the oldest child and only daughter of Cyril John Wills and Dorothy (nee Aldersey) Wills.

Lesley will be missed by her husband, Edmund Kosiorek II of Batavia, whom she married on June 7, 1969; her son, Dr. Edmund (Casey) Kosiorek III, his wife Debbie (nee Ververs) and their children, Katherine, Matthew, and John of Hilton New York; and her son Dr. Joseph C. Kosiorek, his wife Samantha (nee Morse) and their children Ella and Abigail of Fairport, New York.  Lesley is also survived by her brother, Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Russell John Wills (Diane) of Mary Ester, Florida, and his children, Derek Wills of Ogden, Utah, and Wendy (Kurt) Vinhage of Salt Lake City, Utah, and her uncle, Kenneth Croft of Wellington Borough, England.  Also, sisters-in-law Barbara Kosiorek of Batavia and Virginia (Irv) Emerson of Corfu; cousins, nieces, nephews, along with a plethora of very dear friends.

In death, Lesley is reunited with her father and mother, Cyril and Dorothy Wills, and her sister-in-law Regina Kosiorek.

Lesley immigrated to Canada in 1957 and then to the United States in 1965.  She was a member of Batavia High School’s class of 1967.  After graduation, she worked with the New York Telephone Company as a service representative until 1975.  She held a similar position with the Prudential Insurance Company in 1984 and was promoted to the position of agent recruiter during her tenure.  In 1998, she became the secretary to the principal of the Oakfield-Alabama elementary school.  She thoroughly enjoyed her interactions with the students, staff, and families of the district.  Lesley retired in 2011.

Lesley was a member of Resurrection Parish (St. Mary’s site) and was very active at both the St. Mary’s and St. Joseph’s sites.  She was a member of the Bishop’s Committee, a discussion group for mothers with young children.  She taught Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, preparing children to receive First Holy Communion.  She served as a member of the St. Joseph’s school board.  She co-chaired the annual Popcorn Ball and volunteered each year at the St. Joseph’s Carnival.  Lesley was a Eucharist Minister and was recently inducted into St. Joseph’s Sodality.

In the community, Lesley served as Cub Scout den mother for Robert Morris School Den 5.  She volunteered with the Association for the Research of Childhood Cancer organizing fundraisers.  As a Friend of the Richmond Library, she worked on the monthly book sale.

Lesley was the ultimate mom!  Her family was her priority, and she was totally invested in raising her two sons.  Her five grandchildren were the loves of her life, and she absolutely enjoyed every minute she spent with them.  Her children and grandchildren are truly her legacy.

Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday, May 21, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia where prayers will be recited at 10:30 AM Monday.  Lesley’s Mass of Christian Burial will follow prayers on Monday, May 22, 2023 at 11 AM at Resurrection Parish (St. Mary’s site), 18 Ellicott Street, Batavia, NY. She will be laid to rest in the St. Joseph The Worker Row Garden outside the Father T. Bernard Kelly Mausoleum at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Batavia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 50, Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org) or Crossroads House, PO Box 403, Batavia, NY 14021 (www.crossroadshouse.com). Please leave condolences, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

Richard A. Mengs, 91 of Johnsonburg, a retired farmer, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 15, 2023. He was born July 7, 1931 in Orangeville, to the late Alvin and Laura (Jones) Mengs. He is preceded in death by his brother Norman Mengs and sister Althea Mengs.

He was a 1949 graduate of Attica High School, a member of the John Birch Society, and a former member of Dairylea and Agway Co. Mr. Mengs was also a member of the Johnsonburg United Methodist Church and a proud United States Army Veteran. 

Richard is survived by his cousins, Edith (William) Hirsch of Alexander and Arlon (Martha) Mengs of Attica.

Friends are invited to call on Friday, May 19, 2023 from 11AM to 1PM at Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, NY 14011. A funeral service will immediately follow at 1PM. He will be laid to rest in Johnsonburg Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Varysburg Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 638, Varysburg, NY 14167 and to the Johnsonburg Methodist Church, 3025 NY-98, Varysburg, NY 14167. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.marleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Marley Funeral Home, LLC, 135 Main Street, Attica, New York 14011.

Graveside services for Robert Luke Shell will be held on Monday, May 22, 2023 at 11 am at Western New York National Cemetery, 1254 Indian Falls Road, Corfu. Mr Shell passed away on May 22, 2022 at Premier Genesee Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in Batavia.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the H.E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 403 East Main Street, Batavia.

Carl J. Stephens, 86 of Stafford, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 surrounded by his family. He was born September 15, 1936 in LeRoy to the late Charles Stephens and Catherine (Stefani) Stephens Burr. He is preceded in death by his brother Robert Stephens.

Carl was a graduate of Batavia High School in 1954 and was the Valedictorian of the Metal Trade School. He finished 6^th in his OCS class at Fort Sill, OK and joined the Army National Guard becoming Company Commander in Batavia. Carl worked at GE in Brockport for 9 years and received patent awards on the electric knife and blender.

He was elected as Stafford Town Councilman and held that position for two terms from 1986 to 1993. He was member of Stafford Volunteer Fire Department Exempts, Trustee for Call Memorial Hall in Morganville and served on the Board of Directors for Sleds of Stafford Snowmobile Club.

In 1982 he and his brother Robert started Stephens Farm, his son David joined in 1984 and is currently being run by David and fourth generation grandson Carl David. In October of 1984 he was elected to the Farm Bureau Board of Directors, Carl and Pat were also members of Kitchen Konference discussion group in local members homes. Later on the family farm raised chemically free beef cattle for Beef Home Freezer, got into calf boarding and cash crop farming. Carl also did snowplowing and Stephens Fiberglass Repair.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia A. (Miner) Stephens of Stafford, children, David C. Stephens of Stafford, Debra (Scott) Wolff of Batavia, sister-in-law Elizabeth Stephens of Bergen, he will always be “Bampa” to six grandchildren, Dr. Amanda (Thomas) Demmer, Kristy Ambrose, Felecia Wolff, Jacob (Elizabeth) Wolff, Valerie Ann Stephens, Carl D. Stephens, 4 great-grandchildren, Lucas, Madeleine, Owen and Hannah, cat Missy and beloved nieces.      

Friends are invited to call on Monday, May 15, 2023 from 4-7pm at Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020. A Celebration of his Life will immediately follow at 7:00pm at the Funeral Home. An 11:00am Graveside will take place on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sleds of Stafford, PO Box 709, Stafford, NY 14143 or to Stafford Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 56, Stafford, NY 14143. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Alan L. Abrams, BATAVIA – Born of Seneca Indian heritage on Sept. 7, 1929, in Buffalo. He passed away on Feb. 22, 2023, at the age of 93. He was a graduate of Hutchinson High School and SUNY Brockport. Upon graduation, he entered the US Army and served from 1952-54 in special services. Upon discharge, he was hired at Elba Central School where he spent 37 years as an educator serving as a health and physical education teacher and later, as the district guidance counselor.

In addition to education, Al also served on the board of the YMCA, was a member of the executive committee of the Health Systems Agency of WNY, a summer school counselor at Genesee Community College, and taught at Attica and Albion prisons. One of Al’s lifelong passions was playing golf at Batavia Country Club.

Alan is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Peggy Abrams; children, Gail (Rick) Doran, Christine McNamara, Alan (Jody) Abrams and Jacqueline (Rick) Snyder; 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; and brother, George Abrams. Alan is predeceased by his parents, Oliver and Cordelia Abrams; brothers, Oliver and Dale Abrams; sister, Carol Abrams.

A celebration of Alan’s life will be held on Saturday, May 13, at 11 a.m. at St. James Episcopal Church, Batavia. Memorial donations can be made in Alan’s name to St. James Church in Batavia. For more information, please visit www.bartolomeo.com.

Timothy R. Sands, 56, of Medina, passes away on Tuesday, May 8, 2023.

Timothy was born June 29, 1966 in Batavia, NY. He was a son of Richard “Dick” and Joyce Sands.

Tim was a loving family man that cherished his family above all else. He was a genuine guy, funny, hardworking, a jack of all trades, and had a ‘Git-R-Done’ attitude. He enjoyed fishing, back yard gatherings, music, and bowling.

Tim graduated from Byron-Bergen high school in 1985. He was married in Bergen, NY to Tina Conte in 2005. Tim started working on the family farm and Thru-way spring when he was younger. Later he worked in construction at LeChase Construction and Squires.

Tim will be greatly missed by his wife, Tina Conte Sands; parents Richard “Dick” and Joyce Sands; children, Amanda (Daniel) McCarthy and Rachel (Asher Mckissic) Sands; step children, Richard Conte and his fiancé, Shannon Levandoski, and Danielle Zelazny; Grandchildren, Nora McCarthy, Sylvester Conte, Clayton Conte, and Regina Levandoski; siblings (twin brother) Todd Sands, Byron (Chris) Ariyaratnam, Wendy (Greg) Didas, and Julie (Arthur Jr.) Webb; nieces and nephews, Dennis Janas, Jeremy Fink, Jessica Ariyaratnam, Kyle Didas, Krystal (Trevor) Bertrand, Michelle Didas, Parker Didas, Julian Didas, John (Marrisa) Coffta, Jordan (Hailey) Coffta, Erica (Brandon) Holcombe, Blake Holcombe, Levi Holcombe, Domminick Coffta, Everette Coffta, Grant Coffta, and Elisha Coffta; a brother-in-law, David Coffta.

In death Tim is reunited with his granddaughter, Meilla Conte, and sisters Laurie Sands and Carol Coffta.

Family and friends are invited to call on Saturday, May 13, 2023, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, at the H. E. Turner & Co. Funeral Home, 51 S. Lake Ave, Bergen. The funeral for Tim will be held at H. E. Turner & Co. funeral home immediately following calling hours. Everyone is invited to a luncheon at the Bergen Evangelical Presbyterian Church, ​38 South Lake Ave., Bergen, NY, following the funeral service. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.bataviafuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers Donations can be made to the Niagara Gospel Mission, 1317 Portage Road, Niagara Falls, NY.

Sharon E. Pappalardo, 74, of Batavia passed away on Wednesday May 10, 2023. She was born in the Bronx on November 13, 1948 to the late Karl and Elaine (Spencer) Reiss. 

Sharon worked as a Deputy Sheriff for the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department for 28 years. 

She is survived by her life partner of 30 years; her sister Ruth (Joe) Burns of Canada; brother Karl Reiss of Stafford; 2 nephews Sean (Isabella) Hunter and Eric (Katrina) Hunter both of Canada.

There will be no prior calling hours or Services. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Genesee County Animal Shelter 3841 W. Main St. Rd. Batavia, NY 14020. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

Mary Giambrone (Ianni), 92 died on May 9, 2023 at Crossroads House surrounded by her loving family.  Born in Oakfield, NY, the daughter of the late Salvatore and Laura Ianni.  She is predeceased by husband Benny Giambrone, infant daughter Valerie, grandson Michael, daughter in law Barbara Giambrone, brothers Mario, Umberto, Victor, David, Carlo and Beniamino Ianni. 

Before retirement, Mary worked alongside her beloved family at Ben’s Appliance and Kitchens. She was one of the founding members of Paolo Busti Cultural Foundation and lifelong member of St. Padre Pio Parish in Oakfield, NY

Mary was the heartbeat of her family and adored by surviving children, Benjamin (Linda) Giambrone of Oakfield, NY, Victor (Maria) Giambrone of Clarence NY and  Valerie (Duane) Schultz of Oakfield, NY. 

Lovingly called Nana to her grandchildren and great grandchildren Steven (Megan) Giambrone of Flower Mound, Texas, Carolyn (Tara) Abare of Macedon, NY, Anthony (Jerrod) Baldwin- Giambrone of Kenmore, NY, Gina (Andrew) Gerber of Media, Pa, Peter Giambrone of Chili, NY, Andrea (James) Despaw, of Chili NY, Christina (Lee) Sobieski of Depew, NY. Treasured great grandchildren, Colin, Nora, Henri, Rosa, Abby and Frederick Also surviving are her sister Angie Mattioli of Akron, NY; sister in law Linda Ianni of Corfu, NY. and several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held for family only. A 9:00AM Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday May 13, 2023 St. Padre Pio Parish 56 Maple Ave. Oakfield, NY 14125.  She will be laid to rest in St. Cecilia’s Cemetery in Oakfield. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Crossroads House 11 Liberty St. PO Box 403 Batavia, New York 14021 or at www.crossroadshouse.com. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.gilmartinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements completed by Gilmartin Funeral Home & Cremation Company, Inc, 329-333 West Main Street, Batavia, New York 14020.

J. Douglas Beattie, 86 of Batavia, passed away peacefully on Monday (May 8, 2023) at United Memorial Medical Center.

He was born August 25, 1936 in Troy, NY, a son of the late Stearns and Anne McCaffrey Beattie.

Mr. Beattie was an Agricultural Loan Officer for the Farm Service Agency in Batavia for several years prior to his retirement. He was an avid bird watcher and was a member of the Buffalo Ornithological Society. Doug enjoyed hunting, photography, gardening and canning from his garden. Being a devout Catholic, he was a parishioner of Mary Immaculate Parish in East Bethany.

Survivors include his wife, Sharon Bird Beattie of Batavia. Children, Brian (Bonnie Bright) Beattie of Gainesville, GA and Keith (Tina Cerja) Beattie of Virginia Beach, VA. Step-children, Michael Lane of Oak Ridge, NC and Kim (Chris Ryer) Lane of Baltimore, MD. Grandson, J. Simon Beattie. Step-granddaughters, Abbey Lane-Sulton, Sydney Lane-Ryer and Amanda Lane. Great-grandchild, Aubrey Beattie. Siblings, Patricia McGraw of Glens Falls, NY, Robert (Patricia) Beattie of Wynantskill, NY and Joan (Steve) Anderson of Roseville, MN. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are cordially invited to share thoughts, condolences and fond memories on Friday (May 12^th) from 4-8pm at the J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 Bogue Ave., Batavia. His Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, 11:00am at Mary Immaculate Parish, 5865 Ellicott Street Road, East Bethany, NY. He will be laid to rest in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Elba, NY.

In lieu of flowers, those desiring may offer memorials in his name to Mary Immaculate Parish. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.mcandrewfuneralhomes.net.

ARRANGEMENTS WERE ENTRUSTED TO THE J. LEONARD McANDREW FUNERAL HOME, LLC, 2 BOGUE AVE., BATAVIA, NY 14020. RONALD KONIECZNY II, DIRECTOR.